Ayurvedic Medicines

March 23rd, 2007 | admin

Ayurvedic medicines were designed to strengthen the body to regain balance caused due to any imbalances. The prime requirement of Ayurvedic medicines is that it must not have any side effects. The preparation methods of medicines are described in ancient Ayurvedic texts. The raw materials of medicines are mainly herbs, followed by minerals and metals.

There are specific regulations to pick the plants, minerals or metals and purification methods to make them usable to human body.

The quality of herbs varies with seasonal variations and environment. Dravya Guna Vignan is a branch of Ayurveda that deals with the quality of herbs and minerals used for preparing medicines. This branch of study gives directions to pick the right type of herbs, grown under the right conditions and at the right place.

There are different forms of medicines in Ayurveda. Herbal decoctions (kashaya), massage oils (thaila), tablets (gulika), powders (choorna) and smoke (dhooma) are the main ones. Each one of them is prepared under the guidance of an experienced physician and in strict quality control measures.

The dose of the medicines also varies with the condition of the person and his or her age.

All Ayurvedic medicines are herbal combinations. Single herb remedies are there, but preparatory medicines are always herbal combinations. The reason for herbal combination is for the overall balancing effect of the body. Strengthening one area shall not weaken any other function of the body. That is when treating respiratory diseases; the medicine shall not bring any imbalances to heart or digestive system.

One thing about Ayurvedic medicines is that different medicines are not prepared in a room. The smoke and smell from one vessel can affect the quality of the next medicine. Such a thing shall not be allowed to happen.

The quality of the packing material is also another matter of concern. In modern times, Ayurvedic medicines are found to come packed in plastic jars. Though very difficult it is advisable to use only china jars or glass bottles. There is difficulty in handling medicines when packed in such hard and easy to break materials.

It is not a problem if the medicine is not shipped to very long distances.

The medicines give highest results when different factors like the season and location of the cultivation of the herb, the preparation method, storage method and the right medicine combination and diet adjustment for the person.